Katherine Brunt
The England star on how the side are still riding on a high
“WE EVEN got to meet celebrities like Daniel Radcliffe – it was a bit of a surreal day.”
Katherine Brunt is reminiscing about the 2009 Women’s World T20 final against New Zealand, a game which saw her named player of the match after taking 3-6 from her four overs and one that came in the midst of England compiling the most dominant year in the history of women’s cricket.
On reflection, Brunt believes those 12 months were a turning point for the women’s game in this country and that the professionalism, new competitions and increased media attention that have followed can all be traced back to that glorious year.
It also happened to be the last time England hosted a global ICC women’s tournament, but with the 2017 Women’s World Cup starting in a little over a week, the 31-yearold insists now is the time to build further momentum.
“We sell out venues on our own now but back then (in 2009) we didn’t, and having the World T20 alongside the men really helped us,” explains Brunt. “We had that chance to showcase ourselves.
“Every time you win with an England shirt on, people will start to be interested because you’re a winner! Two thousand and nine was massive in that sense because we won everything – two World Cups (T20 and 50over), an Ashes and a home series.
“That was a huge catalyst for the following that developed and it has just continually got better until the point where a year and a bit ago we went professional.”
Having made her England debut in 2004, Brunt has been putting herself through the travails of international cricket at the highest level for 13 years now.
The Barnsleyborn quick has spoken candidly in the past about contemplating retirement but under coach Mark Robinson, she is rejuvenated. “As long as I’m enjoying it,and as long as my body is good to me, then I will play,” says Brunt. “Mark sees a lot in me and he brings a lot out of me. I’ve been playing international cricket for 13 years, so there is a danger you plod along and keep going as you are. “I could do that but I‘m not content with it and Mark has lit that fire in me. I’ve come a long way as a batter and I’ve developed more skills in my bowling, which has given me a new lease of life. “I’m seriously competitive – I can’t just be ok, I’ve got to be among the best and I just don’t have it in me to play in second gear. When that happens, by being held back by injury or whatever, that’s what I’ll base any retirement decision on.” Brunt turns 32 next month and while, by her own admission, taking on a leadership role hasn’t come naturally, the Yorkshire star is now finally relishing the added responsibility. “The other girls would tell you I’m still a 17-year-old at heart!” laughs Brunt.“But as much as I like to be a character and have a laugh, I am the oldest person there with the most experience. “The other players know that and they respect that. We’ve had meetings and it’s been apparent that a lot of the girls do respect me and want to learn from me.That was a bit of an eye-opener. “When I walked into the England dressing room for the first time all those years ago I was terrified, absolutely terrified, and in awe of these people. “For my teammates to now say that about me is amazing and I’ve really taken it upon myself to be more of a leader. I wasn’t before, I just led by example, but now I’m actively trying to pass on a lot of knowledge and skill.”